Brewery: Hopback
Location: Salisbury, England
ABV: 4.5%
Version: Bottled
Source: BeerVentures.co.uk

A bottle of Hopback Entire Stout was included in a Dark Side mixed case that I ordered from BeerVentures.co.uk a few months ago (I’m going through my notebook, checking for tasting notes I should really have posted by now…)

According to my notes, the bottle opened to release a slightly odd, eggy whiff (something to do with the bottle conditioning?) although the beer turned out to be absolutely fine. No, make that mighty fine: Hopback Entire Stout was a smooth, full-bodied (albeit slightly carbonated) stout with distinct coffee and sweet caramel notes (think Starbuck’s caramel macchiato, if you’ve ever punished your teeth with such a beverage).

I have to admit it didn’t blow me away, but I’d definitely re-visit given half a chance, and would love the opportunity to try it on draught. It strikes me as one of those beers that would benefit hugely from a proper hand-pump delivery.

[The image on this post was shamelessly nicked from the A Good Beer Blog.